Manchester City Financial Breach Situation
With just over half of the Premier League season being played already some may say this is the most exciting time of the year for the English Football League.
The top five spots on the table are very close and things look to get very interesting toward the second half coming down to the wire.
One of the three teams at the top of the table just ran into a problem that fans did not expect to see occur, especially this late into the season.
On Monday, Feb. 6, the Premier League released a statement that after a four-year investigation, they were charging Manchester City F.C. with committing more than 100 breaches of financial rules. The league stated that the club referred to an independent commission for breaches made between the 2009 and 2018 seasons.
Manchester City were also accused of not cooperating with the investigation. The punishments that the commission stated could take place range from multiple fines to points deduction and/or expulsion from the Premier League.
These sanctions that are listed in the Premier League’s handbook state that the commission is allowed to go through with these punishments if it is considered appropriate.
The six-time Premier League Champions are accused of not giving a full and true view of the club’s financial position also including sponsorship revenue and operating cost. The team also did not provide full details of player and manager salaries.
Along those lines, the club also did not comply with UEFA’s rules regarding financial fair play and failed to work with the Premier League’s investigation that recently concluded after more than four years starting in 2019.
“It was a period where soccer club finances were particularly under the spotlight, from the proposed sales of Liverpool and Manchester United to the recent record-breaking transfer window,” senior analyst at Ampere Analysis, Dan Harraghy said.
Other top clubs such as Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal are calling for Premier League officials to relegate City for their alleged allegations.
A meeting was held in London on Thursday where other Premier League clubs had representatives take-part in discussing The Sky Blues’ ongoing situation. But club executives fear that the case, which will be referred to an independent commission, can take place for at least two years with no result.
With the case handled by independent commissions, expulsion would not be considered right away. Although it has been reported that authorities are unlikely to consider actions such as striping titles won years prior.
A statement was released by the club’s officials stating, “Manchester City is surprised by the issuing of these alleged breaches of the Premier League Rules, particularly given the extensive engagement and vast amount of detailed materials that the English Premier League has been provided with.”
“The Club welcomes the review of this matter by an independent Commission, to impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists in support of its position. As such we look forward to this matter being put to rest once and for all,” the team also mentioned as they look to fight the case moving forward.
Matt Cabram is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email mwc5817@psu.edu
